Sopwell House Hotel

Sopwell House’s history goes all the way back to 1603, when the land was known as the New Barnes estate, owned by Richard Sadlier. Over the centuries, the estate passed through several owners, such as Sir Harbottle Grimston, the Earl of Verulam, in 1670. The master mason, Edward Strong, acquired it in the early 1700s and developed the property further.

In the early 20th century, the house became the family home of Prince Louis of Battenberg, Admiral of the Royal Navy. After the Second World War, the estate fell into a sort of dormancy, operating as a home for the aged. It wouldn't be until 1969 that Sopwell House was adapted into a hotel, later growing into the luxury retreat we know today after being acquired by Abraham Bejerano in 1986.

Although not as ornate as Victorian or Belle Époque country houses, the Sopwell House offers a stern yet refined beauty thanks to its Georgian architecture. The main building dates back to the 18th century, when it replaced the older New Barnes house. It is recognized as a Grade II-listed property, characterized by its various historic elements, such as the stucco-faced elevations, symmetrical sash windows, and slate roofs hidden by parapets. Other details include molded cornices, pilasters, and arched entrances, which are noted as early Georgian conventions.

The current incarnation of the Sopwell House integrates its classical features into tastefully added renovations. Restaurants such as The Brasserie and Oombo are filled with expressive interior designs. Similarly, the newly expanded spa facilities offer a sleek and stylish sanctuary in the St Alban countryside.

The Brasserie

Enjoy a relaxed yet refined dining setting where you can savor both classic and contemporary British and European cuisine. The culinary team works together to formulate menus that make the most from regional ingredients, from Dorset crab, slow‑cooked beef, and traditional Sunday roasts to grill selections and Mediterranean‑inspired items. Drink pairing options elevate the moment, improving your dinner with the flavorful vintages by Coravin.

Opening hours:
Breakfast:
Monday to Friday: 7 am - 10 am
Weekends & bank holidays: 8 am - 10:30 am
Lunch:
Monday to Friday: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Weekends & bank holidays: 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Sunday: 12:30 pm - 3 pm
Dinner: Daily: 6 pm - 10 pm
Dress Code: Smart Casual

Omboo

Get your fill of exquisite pan‑Asian cuisine at Oombo, Sopwell's eye-catching dining spot that takes heavy inspiration from Asia and the Far East. Here, dishes are meticulously designed as artful sharing plates rather than traditional course meals, encouraging a social dining experience. The menu showcases bold, fragrant flavors crafted from Britain's finest ingredients, featuring fusion takes on even sushi and sashimi.

Opening hours: Daily: 6 pm - 10 pm
Dress Code: Smart Casual

Afternoon Tea

Indulge in afternoon tea service like no other, featuring a tiered selection of desserts, savories, and tea blends crafted with Oombo's pan-Asian twist. Guests can enjoy this ritual daily, with options such as a glass of Champagne or a gin cocktail as accompaniment. The snacks also come in dietary variations, including vegetarian, vegan or gluten‑free menus.

Availability: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Octagon Bar

The Octagon embraces London's stylish, early 19th-century bar scene hearkening back to that era with its sleek and elegant lounge atmosphere. Savor expertly crafted cocktails, made with quality British spirits and wines, paired with light bites offered in the menu. The chic decor makes it a quiet and cozy place to enjoy some talks with friends and family before or after dinner.

Opening hours:
Drinks: 12 pm - 12 am
Lounge Menu: 12 pm - 5 pm
Oombo Bites: 5:30 pm - 10 pm

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Conservatory Bar

Kick back, relax, and recharge with a delightful drink while enjoying the bright and airy ambiance of the Conservatory Bar. Set in a glass‑roofed conservatory with a terrace, you can enjoy the view of the estate while sipping your cocktail and nibbling on a snack. This spot is ideal for casual daytime drinks and al fresco dining, letting you enjoy cozy lunchtimes with refreshments.

Opening hours:
Bar & Snacks: 9 am - 10 pm
Food: 12 pm - 10 pm

Why not celebrate your Happily Ever After with Sopwell House? This historic Georgian country house offers a variety of majestic venues and scenic landscaped grounds for backdrops. Couples can personalize every aspect of their big day with the assistance of the hotel's dedicated events coordinators. You can choose where and how you'll hold your ceremony, decide on the menu for the wedding breakfasts and banquets, and what kind of reception and celebrations you'll have. The venue is licensed for civil ceremonies and can also accommodate cultural ceremonies.

Here are the main wedding venues available:

St Alban Suite – A grand space with garden views and terrace access. Capacity: 300 guests

The Mountbatten - Stylish events hall with tall, bright ceilings and large windows. Capacity: 100 guests

Lady Patricia & Princess Alice - A pair of classy venues that can be combined into a single large hall. Capacity: 140

Princess Victoria & Prince Louis - Smaller yet atmospheric halls, perfect for intimate gatherings. Capacity: 50 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Before heading out to explore St Alban, it's worth taking a look at what Sopwell House's events calendar has to offer. Seasonal holidays and events like Valentine’s Day or Easter come with stay or experience packages, including things like romantic dinners, themed afternoon teas, and even live entertainment.

Once you are ready to head out, you'll find a slew of fun things to do and places to visit in the city. Originally the Roman town of Verulamium, you'll find many Roman legacies they left behind in the Verulamium Museum and the Roman Theatre of Verulamium, such as artifacts, mosaics, and ruins. The adjacent Verulamium Park offers scenic walks amidst remnants of the city walls and archaeological sites.

For Medieval Era attractions, St Albans Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian worship sites in England, showcasing the architectural evolution from Norman through Gothic styles. Another is the St Albans Clock Tower, a rare surviving medieval belfry offering unique views. It's also worth visiting the city's historic town markets, where you'll find stalls and shops with traditional delicacies and crafts.

Looking for a splendid spot for your event? Sopwell House will be happy to host your function at one of its gorgeous function halls. These venues provide plenty of customizability along with comprehensive support from a dedicated events team. They'll help tailor the menus, decor, and entertainment to suit your needs, whether you’re planning a birthday, anniversary, or a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Their packages include private room hire, banquet or buffet dining, and drinks, all delivered with attentive service and care. The hotel also offers a suite of services through trusted partners, which include bakeries for cakes, florists for decor, and DJs, artists, and bands for entertainment.

Here are some of the venues available:

St Alban Suite - Largest events hall of the hotel, perfect for big weddings or conferences. Capacity: 380

The Mountbatten - An ostentatious venue with wonderful garden views. Capacity: 100

Lady Patricia & Princess Alice - Two event suites that can be booked individually or combined into a single venue. Capacity: 140

Princess Victoria & Prince Louis - Slightly smaller event halls with a more intimate atmosphere. Capacity: 50

Omboo - A private dining room within the Omboo restaurant. Capacity: 14

Sopwell House's signature Cottonmill Spa is a luxury retreat carefully designed for relaxation and rejuvenation. Choose from a selection of carefully tailored spa treatments, from deeply restorative massages and facials to advanced therapies and rituals. Each option uses quality products from brands such as ELEMIS and Aromatherapy Associates. The spa also provides grooming services, such as manicures and pedicures. They also have special spa breaks and spa day packages, letting you indulge in wellness and leisure during your visit.

Beyond the treatment menus, Cottonmill Spa boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a fitness center equipped with Technogym machines and a studio for fitness classes. Signing up for access to The Club at Cottonmill lets you use a slew of enhanced amenities such as hydrotherapy pools, a botanical steam room, saunas, and multi-sensory showers.